Winston Strikes Coal, Boosts Economy

At a time when a multitude of people were jobless, the local economy received a great boost when J.O. Elliot of Cameron struck a 50-inch vein of coal in the west of Winston. The vein was 460 feet in depth, and it was estimated the vein extended several miles in either direction. The coal had a higher heat unit than any coal mined in Missouri, was jet black in color, and very oily.

At a time when a multitude of people were jobless, the local economy received a great boost when J.O. Elliot of Cameron struck a 50-inch vein of coal in the west of Winston. The vein was 460 feet in depth, and it was estimated the vein extended several miles in either direction. The coal had a higher heat unit than any coal mined in Missouri, was jet black in color, and very oily.

New equipment was purchased from the Farmers Mercantile Company of Gallatin, and it was estimated 50 tons could be brought to the surface daily. It was said that when the mine was fully developed , it would be one of the very best found anywhere. It was soon to become a valuable asset to Daviess County and give jobs to many jobless people.

The mining industry was also affected by the depression and the mine was sold at a sheriff’s sale held at the courthouse. The new owners would operate the mine under the name Winston Coal Company.